Stoltenberg: Georgia is moving closer to NATO
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Georgia is a "strong partner” and an "important contributor” to NATO’s "shared security” – these were the words of NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg when he hosted Georgia’s President Giorgi Margvelashvili in Brussels today.
During Margvelashvili’s first visit to the NATO headquarters the two leaders discussed deepening the partnership between the Alliance and Tbilisi.
"You play a remarkable role in our operations,” Stoltenberg told Margvelashvili at a joint press briefing.
"Today Georgia is the second largest contributor to our Resolute Support Mission in Afghanistan. And Georgian troops have stood shoulder to shoulder with NATO for many years. And we are very grateful for that.”
The NATO leader also said the Alliance was committed to help Georgia modernise its defences.
"This will help you move closer to your aspiration of NATO membership,” he said.
At the NATO Summit last year Stoltenberg noted the organisation had invited Georgia to join an initiative to enhance interoperability with partners.
NATO also put in place a Substantial NATO-Georgia Package to strengthen Georgia’s defence capabilities.
"These initiatives are well on track,” Stoltenberg said.
He also believed NATO trainings would help and support Georgia’s ongoing defence reforms.
Additionally, the sides discussed Georgia’s progress in making its defence sector more transparent and accountable.
"We have seen significant progress. We welcome the ambitious plans you have announced for this year. And we encourage you to deepen your democratic reforms,” Stoltenberg said, adding: "That includes strengthening the independence of the judiciary, and the rule of law.”
The NATO Secretary General ended his remark by saying the following: "Georgia is moving closer to NATO. We are looking forward to continuing working with you on this path so we welcome you once again.”
In return, Margvelashvili thanked the NATO official for the Alliance's firm support for Georgia’s territorial integrity.
Meeting w/ Secretary-General of @NATO@jensstoltenberg . Discussed situation in #Georgia's #occupied territories. pic.twitter.com/sbVtSo7hUT
— President Of Georgia (@MargvelashviliG) May 11, 2015
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